No: 237, 20 July 2017, Press Release Regarding The Statements Of German Authorities

Republic Of Turkey Ministry Of Foreign Affairs 20.07.2017

In the meeting regarding German citizen Peter Steudtner who was arrested on
July 18, 2017, the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Germany in
Ankara was informed that the matter has been brought before the Turkish
judiciary, the independence of which should be trusted, and that there has
not been any deficiency in ensuring consular assistance in accordance with
the rules of international law since the first day he was taken into
custody.

Our Ambassador in Berlin also informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
the Federal Republic of Germany about the same issue upon the request of
the Ministry.

Following these talks, it was observed in the statements made by the
Spokespersons of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Government
of the Federal Republic of Germany, which may constitute examples of
diplomatic discourtesy, that there was direct intervention in the Turkish
judiciary and that expressions exceeding the limits were used. It is not
possible to accept these statements. In the exercise of jurisdiction in our
country, it is ensured within the framework of our Constitution that no
organ, authority or individual may give orders and instructions to the
courts or may make recommendations or suggestions.

The expressions used in these statements have once again revealed the
double standard regarding the approaches to the law of those who prevent
terrorists from being brought to justice by embracing the members of
different terrorist organizations targeting our country.